MAGNETICS Magnets are materials that can be magnetised. This means they attract or repel an invisible magnetic force.

The ins and outs… Temporary Magnets Permanent Magnets Magnets that lose their magnetism when removed from another magnet. An example is a paperclip, whose magnetism is lost when it is no longer in contact with another permanent magnet. Magnets that retain their magnetism when removed from other magnets. Most permanent magnets are alloys – or mixes of different metals like iron, nickel or cobalt.

Opposites Attract All magnets have two poles, North and South. When a bar magnet is tied to a piece of string, the north pole of the magnet will point towards the Earth’s North Pole. The south pole of the magnet will point towards the Earth’s South Pole. DEMONSTRATE MAGNET ON A STRING...

PAPERCLIPS… What is happening here? Why do the paperclips eventually start falling off?

The Magnetic Field Magnetic fields can be drawn like a map. The lines show the direction of the magnetic force. The lines closest together are where the magnetic force is the greatest and the furthest apart where the magnetic field is the weakest.

The earth Scientists don’t know why, but the earth has its own magnetic field. Any magnets free to turn will react to the Earth’s magnetic field, and point to North or South. A compass is just a small magnet with its poles tapered to a point.